As a writer, you’re dedicating time and energy to creating books so they can be read. The ability to pen a good query letter is crucial to your success as an author.
A query letter is a formal and concise letter sent to literary agents, requesting them to represent your book. It can also be a proposal of book ideas which can include the book format and structure. Think of your Query letter as bait tailored for publishing houses & magazines. It is a sales-letter, marketing your book. You write it so the publisher can request the manuscript. When writing it, think of your book as a finished product ready for monetisation.
You need to pitch your work such that it ignites interest.
Before you query, it is recommended that you must have completed and edited your manuscript. You should also do a thorough research on the literary agency to know what type of genre they specialize in, and what their guidelines for submission of queries are. Their website or blog should have the appropriate information. You don’t want your letter to be left unattended.
Standard Query Letter Format
1. Writer’s Address
Just like you would a business letter, you have to begin with your address. Start with the smaller units and then proceed to the larger ones i.e., street name, followed by city name and country name ( if you are not in the same country as your recipient).
2. Date
This comes immediately after the writer’s address.
3. Recipient’s Address
Here, you start with the name of the agent. You should know his or her name. ( this proves you have done some research about them.) After the name, you go ahead and write the position of the person in the company, insert the company name and address.
Start from the smallest to the largest unit, just as you did with your own address. It is necessary that you know the person you are submitting the letter to. You don’t want to write to just any agent out there. And some might not even belong in your genre, so a well rounded research is important.
4. Salutation
Open with a greeting, ‘Dear Sir/ Madam’. You should know the gender of the person you are writing to.
5. Introduction
Who are you and what is the purpose of the letter? Introduce yourself, your book’s title, word count, genre and target audience. Include why you choose this particular agent. Do you read books written by the author he represents?
If you have met the agent before and he asked for your query, state that. If you were referred by an author, mention that also. This is just to create some sort of connection and enhance the flow of communication between you and the literary agent.
6. A Query Letter also needs a Strong Hook!
In your opening statement, you need to write a compelling line. Your hook should jab something unique about your book, something interesting: whether the theme, the plot, your characters or a summation of everything in one! Considering all things, remember to keep your hook simple. Take your time to brainstorm a couple of lines. Here’s a few questions that can help.
Who is your main character?
What is his major problem?
What does he want?
What is stopping him from getting it?
What choices does he have to make?
What is at stake?
What is the theme of the novel?
The answer to these questions will basically sum up your book’s concept. Make sure you include what makes your own book stand out in its genre. Remember, your hook has to be as brief as possible.
You don’t need to expatiate or talk about supporting or minor characters here. Only the main characters matter, unless it is necessary. Leave out anything that does not move the story forward.
7. The Right Bio for your Query Letter
The bio doesn’t have to contain your whole life history, as it is not a Biography, (of which I share some info on here). Therefore, the focus here is your history as a writer. If you are not a published author yet, then have you taken writing courses? Have you attended conferences or do you have a platform where you put your work out? Do you belong to any writing community? Have you won awards? Include the information that showcases you as a passionate writer and a potentially successful author.
8. Sign Off
Finally, this is where you tell the agent you look forward to their responses. Furthermore, thank them for their time. Write your complimentary close — yours sincerely, sign and write your full name underneath
Note: Your query should not exceed one page.
My name is Racheal Asikpo. I can take the creative weight of completing your stories. I can also give you 70% distance from the writing and research. I offer ghostwriting, developmental editing and copyediting services. How about you allow a fresh pair of eyes give you a fresh breath of air?
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I look forward to hearing from you.
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